The projects approved for funding include those that will
study rehabilitation services for survivors of acute ischemic stroke,
nonsurgical treatment methods for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis, and a
patient-centered risk stratification method for improving primary care for back
pain. Other projects seek ways to improve patient-clinician communication,
reduce selected health disparities, and improve the way health care systems
operate.

The projects were approved by PCORI's Board of Governors through a
competitive, multi-stage review process that incorporated patients, caregivers,
and other stakeholders in the evaluation of proposals. Applications were
evaluated on scientific merit, engagement of patients and other stakeholders,
methodological rigor, and fit within PCORI's research priorities and research
agenda.

The awards are part of PCORI's first cycle of primary research funding and
selected from among nearly 500 completed applications submitted earlier this
year.